Dhaka: Labour and Employment Adviser Retired Brigadier General Dr M Sakhawat Hussain announced today that the amended labour law will incorporate stringent measures to prohibit forced labour.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Hussain emphasized the inclusion of the International Labour Organisation’s advice and the European Action Plan in the revised legislation. He highlighted that ILO Conventions 138 and 182, aimed at eradicating child labour, have been ratified, and the process of ratifying Conventions 155, 187, and 190 for occupational safety is ongoing.
Dr Hussain, who also serves as an Adviser to the Shipping Ministry, made these comments during a meeting with Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi at the Shipping Ministry. Bangladesh has taken on the role of coordinating the Asia-Pacific Group (ASPG) countries, a responsibility recently passed on by Japan. Plans are underway to host a regional conference of ASPAG labour ministers within the year.
The adviser sought Japanese assistance in upgrading the National Occupational Health and Safety Training Institute in Rajshahi to meet international standards. Addressing the ship breaking industry and Bangladesh’s bid for the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), he noted that several shipyards have received green certificates under the Hong Kong Convention. He assured government support to help other shipyards achieve international standards.
Additionally, the government requested Japan’s backing for Bangladesh’s candidacy in Category ‘C’ of the IMO Council for the 2026-27 term. The Japanese ambassador engaged in discussions about the National Action Plan for amending labour laws, the ship breaking industry’s development, and the construction of a dockyard at Matarbari, alongside the National Port Strategy in Chittagong Port. He assured that mutual trust and cooperation with the Japanese government will persist.
The meeting was attended by two secretaries from the Japanese Embassy, the senior secretary of the Shipping Ministry, and the secretary of the Labour Ministry, along with other officials.